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EVERYTHING TEXAS #7 IN THE SERIES by Carl Winters/Historic Gruene TX/Oldest Dance Hall In Texas

#7 in the Series EVERYTHING TEXAS - Historic Gruene Texas - Sometimes you can even see restored auto's - the old timers come to show off. This is a restored 1942 Cheverolet Truck

Gruene Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast Oldest Dance Hall in TX

Arriving in Texas in the mid 1840's German farmers became the first settlers in this area known as Guene,TX. A German immigrant, Ernst Gruene and hs bride had reached New Braunfels in 1845. Ernst and his two sons purchased land just down river; this is where they built heir home and settled. They planted cotton which became the number one cash crop and as the business grew soon brought other families to settle in Gruene.

Gruene built houses in varios styles. The first mercantile store was built in 1878 and later a cotton gin which was powered by the Guadalupe River. Later on construction of a dance hall and saloon was added; still known today and Gruene Hall. Gruene Hall has no A/C so come comfortable on summer nights to listen to some good old Texas music. This old dance hall is a must see.

Here are various pictures taken at Gruene:

This is the Gruene Antique Company. This is a magnificant old building. If you enjoy history and antiques you will enjoy this building. Above is the side view; looks like it may need some TLC.

The General Store

Posted by Carl & Ceil Winters Texas Hill Country Home Inspector on 02/28/2008 08:59 PM

Comments (49)

activerain, home inspections, realestate, gruene, texas, new braunfels, carl winters

Originally posted at: Carl Winters Blog.ActiveRain.com: EVERYTHING TEXAS #7 IN THE SERIES by Carl Winters/Historic Gruene TX/Oldest Dance Hall In Texas

This post has been included in Texas Information Comal County, TX Information New Braunfels, TX Information
Post is included in group: All Thing's Texas

49 Comments on EVERYTHING TEXAS #7 IN THE SERIES by Carl Winters/Historic Gruene TX/Oldest Dance Hall In Texas

FEB

2008

Carl my friend, boy you really outdid yourself on this one! Very impressed, the pictures are great...and I love this place. Outstanding series, I'm really enjoying them, thanks for all your hard work.spreading love in the rain, Liz

PS, I left you a message at,

L & M's THE EYES OF TEXAS contest to find the best old church in Texas (Members Only) (edit/delete) a

Carl,

Looks like a cool - old place to visit.

I'll have to wait for the price of gas to go down to $2.49/gallon and get my Honda Civic fixed (blew a head gasket after I just replaced (preventive maintenance) all the belts, water pump, and put new tires on the front as you know.

Optimism Shall Rule in 2008!

Cheers, KIM.

FEB

2008

Thanks Liz - You asked for more pictures so I did a little better this time. Ceil came the back way home through Gruene yesterday; took some really great pictures. I had a difficult time getting them on to the Rain site. I'll try to add another time.

The General Store is really neat, some good pictures of that and a few others I would like to add. Also the Redbud trees are in bloom and she got a picture of that and some Mountain Laurel. I guess spring has sprung in the Hill Country.

Kim - I agree on the gas price; it really is a burden and costly; you have to make every trip count. As all of you know I turned 65 in November so I remember when we had 20 cent gas and they even gave you glasses or steak knives or something special to come by your gas from their station. They even cleaned your windshield and checked your tires.

Just think of the times back when Gruene was being developed. I guess we all have to live with the changing times

Thanks for stopping by my friend.

Very nice Carl. I'm a visual person, so the pictures did it for me!

Seeing Greune Hall always makes me wish I was floating the river. Maybe this summer. Im sure it will be packed come Spring Break in a couple of weeks.

Hi Carl, Great pictures of Gruene Hall!!! Gruene is a place everyone should visit. The Dancehall has some great music there!!! We go there every now and then.

We were just at Greune this last November. My husband had a sail boat regatta and we checked out the shops while the guys raced. I have been looking for quite sometime for something to go on the wall over our outdoor kitchen and I got the most incredible iguana and priced so reasonably at a shop there. I'm not a big shopper but I love shopping in places like Greune. They really had some unique shops.

We did walk past the dance hall. It brought back some memories for the gal with me. She remembered doing some foot stomping there in her younger days.

MAR

2008

Carl, I have always enjoyed visiting Gruene. I like going on a Saturday night to check out the bands. It is nice to have family spots to take the kids where we all can have a good time.

Donna - Glad you stopped by to take a look. Ceil likes going to Gruene when they have Market Days. It really does bring in the tourist. Tourist stay in Gruene or N.B. and can also visit the outlet stores in San Marcos. It is absolutely historic. One minute you are driving down the main interstate and three minutes away you are in a historic area.

Oh Cheri you are right; the river is great. We eat at the Gristmill over at Gruene and you can see the hear the river running below the Gristmill. If you didn't know they are finally buildilng a new bridge at Gruene over the river. Come on down and float down the Guadalupe.

Marchel: It is just a nice little area to stroll along. You can find some unique items in some of the shops. My sister has a place at the Antique Mall where she sells some of her antiques and does really well. She also has a place downtown New Braunfels at the Red Rooster. If you ever go downtown N.B. you may want to check it out. Don't forget to stop by the bakery in downtown N.B. - famous for their goodies.

Thanks for stopping by. I guess you can see we really enjoy where we live. I just hope with all the people moving in it doesn't change the atmosphere and character of some of little hide-a-ways.

Judi - Thanks for stopping in to take a look around. I guess our secret is out, now everyone has to come visit Gruene. Don't forget the General Store; Ceil took a picture but I could not get it on for everyone to see. The best part is all the different kind of homemade fudge, and of course memorabilia. Maybe she can get that picture on so everyone can see.

If you plan on eating at the Gristmill you usually have a wait on weekends ;so come comfortable and bring your patience.

Frank - You are right. The best part it is Free for the enjoyment and nice atmosphere. Do you get over this way often? I think you told me you had family in Westhaven up at Canyon Lake. There are many people from Houston that have weekend retreats up this way; you can see them coming in on Friday evening for the weekend. This area really does offer so much because of the lake, river and Schlitterbahn.

Carl- We love the Gruene area...been visiting there for years. Sure hate to see the low bridge go away. But safety must come first.

My husband is a part-time tour guide for Destination San Antonio and he really enjoys taking bus trips with clients to the rafting outings on the Guadalupe River.

Shirley

Gruene is a really neat and great place tucked into just a very small area. I agree about the bridge, sure was a big agrument, some for, some against ;but it ended up like you said safety first. I think the rains of last year and the flooding several years ago added to the pro's to build a bridge.

We really enjoy just getting in the car and driving down to Gruene to have some leisure time. We play like we are tourist. Of course, Ceil loves Market Day and also likes to go to Wimberly for their Market Day. That rafting business is great business and los of fun. My grandson worked on the river last summer.

Glad you enjoyed my article. Remember, if you have anything to add, pictures, etc. feel free. Some may want to know more about the rafting trips that are available.

Carl-- The Gruene River Company has a great web-site for tubers in the New Braunfels and Gruene area.

Howdy Carl

This here EVERYTHING TEXAS SERIES is just as grand

as the Grand State of Texas is.

You are doing a very fine job of showing folks about Texas for sure.

Have a good one

Dale

What ya think about what I've learned to do ?

Not bad for an old cowboy.

Shirley what a great link; I neve thought about that. If you come up with some additional information please come back and share. I'm not very good at getting these links to work. Ceil says she is going to take a course sometime, wish she would hurry up.

Dale - how in the world did you get that so perfect. I want all AR's to know you did all that from New Hampshire - how about that. See it is all about "sharing". I really like your Big Tex

Thanks Dale

MAR

2008

Howdy Carl

I just played with it a little.

It has been a lot of fun learning how to this for sure.

Have a good one

Dale

Texas Qtr.

Dale, I do love that pretty picture you have posted up there! Today is the 172nd Anniversary of Texas' Independence -- Texas Independence was declared on March 2, 1836!

Dale - Thanks for stopping by.

Judi - Thanks for stopping by and sharing information on the 172nd Anniversary of Texas independence. Please be sure to follow this link to Judi's blog post for some excllent schedules of events and history on our Texas independence.

Carl:

Great pictures, I have been to many of these places. Lots of fun and memories. Thanks for sharing.

Alan

Thank you for the visit. We have a saying in our household, memories last forever. Glad you remembered the fun times.

Carl, I just finished a post on the Texas Independence. I think the link you have up there is one that I used!

MAR

2008

Judi - Thanks for stopping by. I am going to include your link here referencing your blog on our Texas Independence celebration. This is excellent history and information and includes many events celebrating our great state of Texas. Thanks for sharing.

I used to live in New Braunfels. My oldest son started Kindergarten there and he's now 18. The hill country area is one of the best areas in Texas. I'd live there again if I could.

Hello Cheri - Thanks for stopping. I don't know when you last visited this area but the growth is unbelievable. We now have a Lowe's, Home Depot, Super Walmart three Walgreen's, I could go on an on. On the main interstate at I-35 and 306 they are suppose to build numerous outlet stores. Growth is good but a little alarming when it comes to dealing with traffic and school situation. I just hope it doesn't change our little hometown atmosphere.

Howdy Carl

Heres something for ya.

Have a good one

your friend

Dale

Map of the Alamo.

Map of the Alamo

Carl & Ceil, Thank you so much for linking my post to your's. :)))

Judi - Thanks for helping us complete the link; maybe next time we will be able to do it on our own. This is really a learning process. Won't be long we will be helping someone else here on AR.

It's all about sharing.

MAR

2008

Carl & Ceil, you know I love helping y'all. Call me anytime. ooooo, Ceil, I can't wait til Thursday when we have lunch in New Braunfels!!! :))))) Another Active Rain mini-Gathering!!! :)))) Don't forget the camera!!

Hello, Carl!

You've got a great series going here. I love the pictures--I've not been to Texas (only once going through), so this helps a lot in learning about your area. Keep it up, and thanks for sharing.

By the way, great linking to Judi's blog. :D

Yolanda, wasn't it nice of them to link to my blog. Guess what!?! Ceil and I are going to meet for lunch on Thursday -- I am sooo looking forward to meeting her!!! :)))

MAR

2008

Yoland and Judi - This is Ceil. Carl wanted me to be sure to say thanks for all the help both of you are giving us and trying to guide us on how to do some of these things. We'll keep working at it, promise. We really want to learn and seems a little overwhelming sometimes but will keep trying. Your great.

Judy I am going to send you an email referencing Thurday lunch get-together. - Ceil

Ceil, you're very welcomed. Don't mind helping y'all. Once you learn it, you'll be able to help someone else. I'll see you tomorrow!!

Howdy Carl and Ceil

I was reading about something

down your way. So I

saddled up to ride

over to ask

ya about it.

Saddle

It's about the

San Antonio Stock Show

and Rodeo Wild Game Dinner

are ya going to it ?

They are going to include a sporting clay shoot

this year. It's going to be

at the National Shooting Complex.

23 Aug. 2008

Have a good one

Dale

Dale - We'll have to check it out. My son's mentioned something about it. Thanks for the reminder.

MAR

2008

Howdy Carl and Ceil

My friend's

I just rode over to let

ya know of something

I did.

I put a link to this post

in Randy L. Prothero

post called

To Be or Not to Be Featured - 2nd Attempt

Have a good one

Dale

Hey Dale - Just about to finish my last report for the week. My A.M. cancelled this morning so I spent a little time doing some office work. My P.M. started at 2:00 and I got in around 6:00, it was pretty clean house over in New Braunfels. Nice folks, moving here from Kentucky.

Thank you for referring my blog to Randy L. Prothero. I went over to subscribe to his blog since I had not visited Randy. How in the world do you get around to all these AR's. I will look fwd. to reading some if his blogs. Thanks again Dale.

Oh! Ceil said to thanks for the bouquet of flowers you sent to her and Judi. She really does like Judi and I think will start reading and learning more about AR. She has been kind of taken back these last few months and has been helping to care for my mom. She has her hands pretty full right now trying to keep up with the kids and of course me. (ha, ha).

MAR

2008

Hello, Judi! Yes, it was very nice--I'm going over to read your post about your lunch with Ceil. Lucky ladies!

Ceil, you're welcome. I'm glad to help anytime! Carl, you've been a busy blogger--keep it up!

Howdy Carl and Ceil

Ceil is very welcome!

Carl my friend you are welcome!

Will Carl I have a

very fast horse

General Jo Shelby

Horse

He is how I can get around to all

the AR's. lol

The saddle photo I have been

useing is his saddle.

Have a good one

Dale

One thing I never had was my very own horse; always rode my grandparents. Ummmmm father's day is coming maybe I should drop a hint or two. I think with the price of gas I may have to start doing my inspections on my horse. Can you just picture me going down the road on my horse. Have to figure out a way to carry my ladder.

Howdy Carl

You would look good on a horse

my friend.

You could always use a wagon.

I keep forgeting to tell ya I really think the

ThingstoDo/PlacestoVisit

would be a really good group for ya to post

your.

EVERYTHING TEXAS SERIES post's in.

Have a good one

Dale

Dale - I just went over to check out ThingstoDo/PlacestoVisit. I didn't even know we had that group. I will give it a try, someone may be interested in #7 in the series EVERYTHINGTEXAS-Historic Gruene.